Music at Messiah to feature Samford String Quartet

MADISON – Hailing from its namesake university in Birmingham, the Samford String Quartet will perform for the next concert in the Music at Messiah series.

Messiah Lutheran Church at 7740 U.S. 72 in Madison (just east of Hughes Road) will host the concert on Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary.

“The concert is free and open to the public. A light reception will follow with opportunity to meet the musicians. Young people are invited to attend,” spokesperson John W. Shriver said.

The program will include Haydn’s “String Quartet, Op. 76, No. 3,” Mendelssohn’s “String Quartet, Op 80, No. 6” and “Antiphons-Benedictions” by Joel Davis, among other works.

The quartet’s members are two married couples: Samuel Nordlund, cello, and Caroline Nordlund, violin; and Jeffrey Flaniken, violin, and Angela Flaniken, viola.

They have previously held positions in major symphony orchestras, performed and taught at numerous music festivals and performed as recitalists. As professors at Samford, these four musicians work closely with students in applied lessons, chamber music, orchestral studies and pedagogy (best methods for teaching).

Samford Quartet is part of the Samford Division of Music within Samford University’s School of the Arts. The quartet was organized in 2011 with a generous gift from Drs. Wilton and Victoria Bunch.

In addition, the quartet works closely with chamber music groups and Samford Orchestra. The Samford Quartet presents regular concerts on campus and collaborates with the vibrant School of the Arts faculty in various projects. (samfordquartet.com)

Since its inception, the Samford String Quartet has enjoyed playing in concerts across the United States and the world, including England, France and Dominican Republic. Even from its premiere concert, the ensemble has received critical acclaim. In 2016, they performed a successful recital at Carnegie Hall.

In addition to performing standard quartet literature, the Samford group is interested in new compositions, Appalachian music and sacred music. In spring 2016, they gave the world premiere of Joel S. Davis’ first string quartet, “Vespers.”

Samford String Quartet has taken the initiative to play for thousands of U.S. students. Players interact with students through performances, teaching and master classes.

For more information, visit samfordquartet.com/about-us.